Trevor Ariza has played in 30 games (all starts) this season for the Rockets and he is averaging 38.7 minutes, 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Ariza’s numbers and the team would be better off if he started shooting better from anywhere on the court. Ariza is only hitting 37.5% from the floor, 31.9% from three point range and 65.7% from the free throw line so far this season and it’s just not good enough. If Ariza keeps heaving up bricks at his current rate the Rockets will have no choice but to start cutting back on his minutes.

Tracy McGrady is finally back but the Rockets want him to take it slow while he wants his starting job back right now. McGrady has played in 6 games (0 starts) for the Rockets this season and he is averaging 7.7 minutes, 3.2 points, 0.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. The Rockets sent him back home before a recent road trip to New York and Cleveland. It seems as if the Rockets would love to trade McGrady but it’s going to be hard to do until he proves that he is healthy.

The Rockets got punished in Cleveland last night by the Cavs. The Rockets were outrebounded 53-37 and they only shot 32.9% from the floor which explains the beat-down they took last night. Aaron Brooks led the way for the Rockets last night with 23 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Trevor Ariza only shot 2 of 10 from the floor but he still finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Carl Landry pitched in with 11 points and 6 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench. The Rockets are now 18-13 on the year.

The Rockets outrebounded the Nets 51-39 and that was a big reason for the win last night. Carl Landry led the way for the Rockets last night with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Luis Scola also had a solid game with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist. Aaron Brooks pitched in with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The Rockets are now 18-12 on the year.

The Rockets only shot 39% from the floor tonight and they were outrebounded 49-37 which did them in. Carl Landry led the way for the Rockets tonight with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Aaron Brooks only shot 5 of 14 from the floor but he still finished with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Luis Scola pitched in with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. The Rockets are now 17-12 on the year.

The Rockets held off the sharp shooting Clippers who hit 50.6% of their shots from the floor last night. Carl Landry led the way for the Rockets last night with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Luis Scola had another solid game last night with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Kyle Lowry was solid off the bench for the Rockets in this game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. The Rockets are now 17-11 on the year.

The Rockets will be without rookie SF/SG Chase Budinger for 2-3 weeks with a ankle injury. Budinger has played in 26 games (1 start) for the Rockets so far this season and he is averaging 18.5 minutes, 8.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The Rockets will miss Budinger’s outside shooting off the bench while he is out of action.

The Rockets defended the home court last night with a good team effort. Trevor Ariza led the way for the Rockets last night with 31 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot. Luis Scola also had a good game with 16 points and 8 rebounds last night. Chuck Hayes was solid around the basket with 13 points, 15 rebounds and 2 assists last night. The Rockets are now 16-11 on the year.

The Rockets outran the Mavericks last night. Kyle Lowry led the way for the Rockets last night with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals and 1 blocked shot in 39 minutes off the bench. Aaron Brooks was also electric last night with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Luis Scola was tough around the basket with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The Rockets are now 15-11 on the year.

The Houston Rockets (14-11) hung around with the Denver Nuggets (19-7), but they could not stop Carmelo Anthony.  Anthony got the rim with ease and the Rockets fouled him all night, sending him to the free-throw line 20 times.  Melo hit 19-20 of those free throws, and finished with 38 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Aaron Brooks led the Rockets in scoring with 23 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound.  The Rockets aren’t at their best when Brooks is their leading scorer, so I think Brooks should look to get more guys involved rather than scoring.  They have been easing Tracy McGrady back in, as he played only 8 minutes and went 0-1 one from the field.  I think they are being a little too careful, but McGrady seems to be made of glass so I understand why they are being so careful.  The Rockets really need T-Mac back.